Gay Group Tour of Scotland

Isle of Skye

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Edinburgh – The charming, culturally rich, historically rich capital — one of Europe’s handsomest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with iconic sights such as its striking medieval castle, the Royal Mile, Old Town, and Georgian architecture.

Isle of Skye – An island of sheer beauty with the misty Cuillin Mountains, rocky shores, hidden beaches, and shady glens, plus a historical link to Bonnie Prince Charlie as well as a modern arts and crafts scene.

Stirling Castle — Historically strategic, holding fort over the passage between the Lowlands and the Highlands, home of the Stuart kings with spectacular views over a gentle countryside.

Scotch Whisky Distillery – An informative, fun tour in a lovely setting to refine an appreciation of Scotland’s national drink, and enjoying a wee dram, of course.

Glasgow — One of Britain’s most intriguing cities, sophisticated yet earthy, with handsome Victorian buildings, great shopping, warm people, and a lively pub and music scene.

Road to the Isles — Encompassing some of the most iconic images of Scotland and considered one of the loveliest drives in Scotland with mountain views, shimmering lochs, historical places, and steeped in Jacobite history.

Rosslyn Chapel – An exquisite and ornate 15th-century cathedral-like masterpiece that is a testament to the skills of its medieval sculptors.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

We begin in edgy and contemporary Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, which has an infectious warmth and energy to it. Here we take in the imposing Gothic Glasgow Cathedral as well as a different sort of cathedral — the grand Victorian cathedral of culture otherwise known as Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in its magnificent stone building.

We then go north to Stirling Castle, admiring views across some ancient independence battlefields from this magnificent stronghold. “Hold Stirling and you control Scotland.” Its architecture, historical significance, and commanding views combine to make it a grand sight.

Then we head for the hills, first by way of the “bonnie, bonnie banks o’ Loch Lomond.” It is this gorgeous lake that features in a very moving song you no doubt will recognize . . . “ye’ll tak’ the high road, and I’ll tak’ the low road.” The West Highlands then beckon with its grand scenery of high, rocky mountains rising out of wild glens. Here we stop for an overnight and dinner at a charming country house in the wilds of Glen Coe.

We embark on one of the prettiest routes in Scotland – the Road to the Isles — a famously scenic 46 miles, passing birch and bracken-covered mountains, glassy lochs, the Caledonian Canal, and the 21-arch viaduct at Glenfinnan (where passengers get to live out Harry Potter fantasies).

The rugged beauty of the Isle of Skye has been proclaimed since the early 1800s when Sir Walter Scott visited. Mountains, sea, cliffs, lochs, glens, farming villages, castles, fine dining, arts and crafts – they’re all here on this remarkable island, which is also an important center of Gaelic culture and language. Our base is Portree, one of the most attractive ports in northwest Scotland with a cliff-edged harbor, fishing boats, and multicolored houses.

Skye has some extraordinary geological scenery to be seen on the Trotternish Peninsula. In a commanding position Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 700 years. Of note here is the scrappy remnant of the Fairy Flag, said to have been a gift from a fairy to the clan and thought to have miraculous powers when unfurled in battle, and the castle’s gardens are attractive.

One of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle perches on an islet set against a backdrop of mountains and guards the confluence of three lochs. The unique beauty of the place has led it to appear in movies and television and is perhaps the most photographed sight in Scotland after Edinburgh’s castle.

Moving back through the Highlands we come to picturesque Perthshire – the epitome of well-groomed rural Scotland and the long-established domain of Scotland’s well-to-do country set with an overnight in charming Pitlochry. Also in this area is a single-malt whisky distillery – Scotland’s highest distillery and dating back to the late 1800s – where we learn about the making of Scotland’s signature drink and enjoy a “nosing” (tasting).

We conclude in beautiful Edinburgh — Scotland’s captivating capital — and see what makes this city so enticing: from its impressive, history-steeped medieval castle looking out over the city to Old Town and the Royal Mile; from lovely New Town (new meaning 1700s) to the ultramodern Scottish Parliament building; attractive Georgian- and Victorian-period architecture; the Princes Street Gardens; and the view from the volcanic crag that is Calton Hill.

The riotously ornate Rosslyn Chapel, not far out of Edinburgh, is revered for its sublime 15th-century stone carvings – some of the finest in the world – and its past is steeped in intrigue and great mystery, probably accounting for its connection to myths and legends and its appearance in The Da Vinci Code. Covering almost every square inch of stonework are human figures, animals, and plants.

INTRODUCTION

Here’s the kind of adventure about which many people dream but few experience. Venture Out is pleased once again to offer this very popular tour for the sixth time. It blends a splendid sampling of African culture, incredible wildlife, other outdoor activities, great food and wine, and gorgeous scenery — beginning in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. We will cover a vast, majestic land, and this is sure to be the trip of a lifetime! Cape Town is certainly one of the world’s most scenic cities. We will visit the environs of the city: the lovely Winelands area that produces most of South Africa’s excellent vintages and home to some acclaimed restaurants, as well as the fantastically scenic Cape Peninsula down to the Cape of Good Hope at the “bottom of Africa.”

Our first wildlife safari experience will take place in and near the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa. A vast area of plains, interrupted by rocky outcrops, the 300-square-mile reserve hosts packs of the endangered wild dog. In addition there are healthy predator populations — lion, cheetah, and leopard. Black and white rhino and a wide range of antelope are numerous. Birdlife is outstanding as well, with numerous species of the nearby Kalahari Desert. Our intimate-in-size luxury safari lodge, with welcoming service and exceptional cuisine, is situated on private ground and hidden in lush riverside forest.

The country of Botswana, our next stop, is exceedingly rich in wildlife, and its vast expanses of nature are filled with a wide variety of fauna and flora to see and experience. In fact, some safari aficionados consider Botswana to be Africa’s best country for this type of experience owing to its policy of keeping the number of visitors on the low side. We experience one of the world’s great natural phenomena, the tranquil Okavango Delta, a 6,000-square-mile inland flood plain (larger than Connecticut) that fans out in the northwestern corner of the country, creating a paradise of palms, papyrus, crystal-clear channels, and backwaters. Set in a massive sea of Kalahari Desert sand, this fragile wonderland of waterways, islands, and forests is an oasis for wildlife, drawn to its life-giving waters from the surrounding thirsty lands. The evening air is filled with the sounds of birdcall, frogs, and antelope rustling in the reeds. Wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra roam the islands; elephants wade across channels under the watch of hippopotamus and crocodiles; and predators like lion and leopard rule the night. You will never forget our small-scale luxury safari “camp” here with its beautiful accommodation, very warm staff, and delicious cuisine.

Straddling the border between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia,Victoria Falls is justifiably called one of the Wonders of the Natural World, and spans a little more than a mile, making it the widest show of its kind on earth. The sight of more than 2 million gallons of water per second from the Zambezi River crashing 350 feet down (twice the height of Niagara) is one not easily forgotten. On a clear day, the veil of the roaring spray can be seen from up to 20 miles away, and the rain forest that clings to the cliffs opposite the falls in the Victoria Falls National Park is nourished by this constant spray. It is this phenomenon that gave the falls its local name: Mosi-Oa-Tunya — literally, “the smoke that thunders. Our new luxury lodge on the Zambezi River is located just a short distance upstream from the falls.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Following is a description of the excellent lodgings we intend to use as we plan this tour. Please note however that we reserve the right to make changes to these accommodations.

Cape Town, South Africa — 3 nights

Information to come . . .

Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa — 3 nights

Luxurious accommodation, exceptional cuisine, welcoming service, and thrilling game viewing combine to create an unforgettable luxury safari experience. Situated on private ground within the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province, the lodge caters for a small number of guests, ensuring personal attention and exclusivity in its luxurious and air-conditioned suites. The reserve is home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) plus cheetah, giraffe, hyena, and a host of other game and bird species. Expert guides are at the ready to reveal all of this to you. Additionally, our lodge is is located on 4,000 acres of privately owned ground which is reserved exclusively for the guests.

Designed to have minimal environmental impact — constructed from local stone, wood, and thatch and blending effortlessly with the bush — the lodge allows guests to continuously experience the natural beauty of the surroundings. Hidden in riverside forest, the suites, each with glass-walled bedrooms, overlook the Limpopo River, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding bush. The suites also have private sundecks and spacious bathrooms (with roll-top bathtubs as well as indoor and outdoor showers) that can be opened to the forest. On the property are an infinity-edge swimming pool, gym, health and beauty treatment center, and lookout point with magnificent views. Further, our lodge prides itself on the exceptional quality of its food and wines, adding another memorable dimension to your stay.

Click on images below to enlarge.

Okavango Delta, Botswana — 3 nights

Our camp in the renowned Okavango Delta is a classic African tented camp with just a handful of luxury canvas tents, all remodeled in 2018 as we publish this itinerary and crafted with five-star fixtures as well as sustainability in mind. The traditional camp is built on a 260,000-acre private concession and has a large lounge area and dining area with lovely views over the floodplains. The main area features a new outdoor bar with the best possible views of the floodplains, a small library area, and curio shop. From the swimming pool — a real treat after a hot day of game viewing — guests can watch giraffe and other plains game march across the savannah and sometimes catch a glimpse of rare wild dogs. Each tent has a deck with views over the floodplains, allowing prime game viewing from your tent with a freshly made cup of tea or coffee to hand.

The camp is also home to a unique elephant interaction project where you can walk with rescued orphaned elephants — an uplifting experience that will remain with you long after you’ve left.

The Okavango Delta is flooded for part of the year and when it is, guests can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow channels. These are 2-person canoes with a poler on the back who steers you through the channels. This activity is water-level dependent.

Sightings of four of the “Big Five” (no rhino in this area) are common here on the Okavango Delta where the wildlife and game viewing is staggeringly special. Shared only with its (even smaller) sister camp this vast patch of the delta in northern Botswana is so private that only the camps’ vehicles tour these precious, pristine grassy plains. This ensures a more exclusive safari experience and allows a deeper connection with the wild.

Click on images below to enlarge.​

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe — 2 nights

Our last accommodation is a private luxury lodge within the Zambezi National Park right on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River that is scheduled to open in the first half of 2018. From the lodge the massive spray of Victoria Falls is visible in the distance about four miles downstream. Each spacious canvas suite has been tastefully decorated with stylish furnishings and fittings and comes with a king size bed, comfortable lounge, complimentary minibar, air conditioning, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, indoor/outdoor showers, twin basins, outdoor bath tub with a view, robes and slippers, private plunge pool, wifi, and a private viewing deck where you can sit and take in the river scenery and whatever might be happening at the moment. The only thing that really resembles a tent is the canvas on the outside. The main lodge has an open-plan lounge and dining area and is positioned just back from the river in view of wildlife that often passes in front (possibly elephant and hippo, for example). There’s also a watering hole on the other side of the lodge where animals congregate when they’re thirsty. The cuisine here is top-notch with a choice wine list. Taking advantage of its position on the Zambezi River the lodge includes a cruise on their own small boats as part of the available activities.

Gay Group Tour of Australia

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Australia’s cultural and culinary capital – Melbourne – with its heavily cosmopolitan vibe, iconic trams, edgy street art, great restaurants, and a European-accented feel . . . along with its status as the world’s most livable city seven years in a row.

The glowing red mountains of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park – with some of the Australian Outback’s most exotic plant life as well as spectacular and timeless scenery, including Wilpena Pound, a colossal crater rim rising from the plains.

The best-known and perhaps most charming wine region of Australia – the Barossa Valley – with several dozen growers producing internationally-acclaimed wines, including some from families descended from German immigrants arriving in the 1840s.

Gracious, relaxed Adelaide — which can boast a position among the world’s top five most livable cities – ringed with a green belt of parks and blessed with a thriving arts scene, multicultural cuisine, and four famous wine regions on its doorstep, including the Adelaide Hills with gorgeous scenery, historic towns settled by 19th-century European immigrants, stone cottages, vast orchards, and cool-climate vineyards.

A variety of excellent accommodations, from urban luxe to country chic, with delicious meals along the way, of course!

PROGRAM SUMMARY

We kick off our tour in Melbourne — the capital of Victoria state and Australia’s second-largest city after Sydney but with a noticeably different feel to it. Truly a multicultural melting pot, nearly a half of the state’s residents were born overseas or have a parent who was. This, of course, gets reflected in the city’s very diverse and excellent dining scene. Evidence of stately 19th-century European-style architecture remain; the city’s trams are an iconic sight; a café culture rages; elegant tree-lined boulevards crisscross the city; and atmospheric laneways are adorned with street art. It’s hard to find a Melbournian who doesn’t like living here.

The rest of our tour unfolds in the state of South Australia, usually missing from tourist itineraries yet has so much to recommend. We make our way up into a piece of the Australian Outback, specifically the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, with its awesome scenery with abrupt escarpments, gorges, and the famous elevated basin of Wilpena Pound — and with luck some good late-spring wildflower action. Basing ourselves at a historic family-run sheep station with upscale accommodations we explore by 4WD vehicle and walks, and you can also take a scenic flight over the area.

Journeying overland we reach one of the most notable wine regions in Australia if not the world — the lovely Barossa Valley. Cultural roots imbue the Barossa with a different charm from other wine-making zones as the area was settled by Silesian immigrants in the 19th century, their influence seen in some of the architecture and cuisine. Certainly we take advantage of the valley’s food and wine riches, including an overnight stay at the nicest accommodation in the Barossa and its very highly-regarded restaurant.

Wilderness and wildlife abound on Kangaroo Island. It’s a rurally paced kind of place and still relatively undeveloped with friendly folks who savor their nature haven, excellent local produce, an abundance of flora and fauna, and 270 miles of wild coastline. Barely 10 miles off the mainland the island feels a world away and of another age, and we have two full days to explore its best sights.

South Australia’s capital of Adelaide is a lovely manageable city with heritage buildings, multiethnic population, a thriving arts scene, great dining, and parks surrounding it on all sides. We cap off our tour of Australia in this sophisticated city and include an excursion out to the nearby Adelaide Hills where historic towns, wineries, nature, and gardens co-mingle in an appealing, almost Bavarian-looking countryside.

INTRODUCTION

Southern Spain has long been a destination so attractive that it’s been invaded time and again by various cultures for nearly 3,000 years. Andalucía — the large region in southernmost Spain — has held an allure and a whiff of the exotic for a long, long time. Nowhere does Europe come closer to Africa — physically and metaphorically. Much of its natural beauty, history, culture, and architecture span two continents, and it’s this unique blending that has long given the region its distinctive flavor. In particular, it’s the legacy of the Moors, whose 700-year presence in Spain remains etched in stone across the land, which has greatly created Andalucía’s exoticism.

This itinerary will encompass two of Spain’s grandest palaces — the stunning Alhambra in Granada and the Alcázar of Seville; the magnificent cathedral of Seville; the country town of old Moorish Ronda with its winding streets perfect for wandering and split in two by a fantastic gorge; the passions of flamenco music and dancing in the old quarter of Seville; the purebred Andalucián horses at the Andalucían School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera, a city world-renowned for its sherry production; and the stunning Mezquita in beautiful Córdoba — originally an ancient mosque now overlaid with a Renaissance-era cathedral.

Another major draw is that Andalucía is popularly seen as the quintessential Spain. This is the home of nearly everything that is perceived of as stereotypically Spanish: flamenco, fragrant orange blossom,tapas, sherry, bullfighting . . . Come along with us and experience soulful Southern Spain!

TOUR MANAGER

Our tour manager in Andalucía is by far one of our favorites over the 19 years of operating our trips. Originally from England, he made Andalucía his home 15 years ago. Since then, he has explored most nooks and crannies of Andalucía (and quite a lot of Spain, of course). His knowledge of the local culture, language, and history will take you not only on a tour, but on a journey through time to appreciate precisely how Andalucía came to be. His charm, easy-going manor, and sense of humor are also winners!

Bonus Feature: Our departure will have a renowned birding expert onboard so that we may enjoy a more in-depth discovery of the unique habits and characteristics of the winged creatures we encounter along the way.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The 62-passenger Safari Voyager will take us where the big cruise ships simply can’t go — and it’s a deluxe, all-inclusive experience throughout. Completely refurbished in 2016 the ship is ideally designed to spotlight the magnificent natural surroundings.

Please Note: Unlike our other tours this is not exclusively a Venture Out group. There will be other guests onboard — with no cap on the number of travelers in our own group.

Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, hummingbirds, toucans, and whales! By kayak, skiff, on foot, and small ship — uncover the wonders of jungles, mangroves, national parks, preserves, and the Panama Canal.

Be as active — or not — as you like!

One of the 20 most biologically diverse countries in the world, Costa Rica alone is home to around 4% of the earth’s total species. Add in the thousands of species of plants, mammals, and birds found in Panamá, and it’s easy to see just how vital these countries’ habitats are.

Both Costa Rica and Panamá are relatively small in size—just under 20,000 square miles and just over 29,000 square miles, respectively. And narrow Panamá is only 110 miles at its widest point. Despite their small geographic footprint, both countries have dramatically changing landscapes, reaching from the shores of the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, to volcanic peaks that tower above 10,000 feet.

Not far from the equator, the warm tropical climate nurtures the rich tapestry of life… making for an inviting and adventurous exploration.

SAFARI VOYAGER

Undergoing refurbishment in 2016, the 62-guest Safari Voyager offers personal comforts, full uncompromising amenities, and upscale accommodations. Sights are revealed from the window-lined lounge with sweeping 270-degree views. Enjoy the vessel’s cozy library and elegant dining room, all outfitted with nautical décor. Ideally designed to spotlight the magnificent natural surroundings, the Safari Voyager features four public decks including a spacious upper sun deck.

An aft EZ Dock launch platform provides convenient access into and from the water for adventure activities. The vessel is outfitted with kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, snorkel gear, and hiking poles. For rejuvenation and relaxation, guests can take advantage of our wellness program with fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a complimentary massage.

POST-CRUISE LAND EXTENSION

Explore Costa Rica’s exotic interior by hiking, canopy tour, zip line, boat trip, and river rafting on a 5-night, post-cruise land extension. Destinations include Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Selvatura Park, and the Sarapiquí River. Visits to a coffee plantation, a sugar mill, a local school, and hot springs are also included. Information can be found in the Detailed Itinerary.

Scotland was wonderful! We had such a nice time. One of the best guides we have had (I’m missing his wonderful voice), and the hotels and restaurants were over the top. A great group of guys, and of course, everything worked seemlessly as we have come to expect from a Venture Out tour. Many thanks.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

If you were a geography buff in school you were probably intrigued by the very odd shape of Chile – the spindly “shoestring” country that lies between the Pacific Ocean and the mighty Andes Mountains. Top to bottom Chile extends some 2,500 miles, and that very wide range of latitudes means an extremely diverse landscape as we journey through this beautiful land. The equivalent North American latitudes would be from Hudson’s Bay, Canada down to Cancún, Mexico!

For lovers of the outdoors (and wine enthusiasts, too) Chile, with its spectacular scenery, is a must-see destination in South America. It comes with an excellent tourism infrastructure, and we have sought out beautiful, luxury accommodations along the way.

Add to that a strong economy, a stable political environment, warm and inviting people, and you’ll see why Chile is making its mark as the new hotspot in South America.

This trip will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who love being in nature yet who also enjoy luxury lodgings and very nice meals along the way.

In the Atacama Desert and Patagonia we’ve selected all-inclusive, top-notch lodges that offer a variety of daily activities to choose from — from the tame to the high-octane! So wherever you fall on the physical-activity scale you should find something that suits you as long as you’re a nature lover.

Such geographic variety provides not only breathtaking scenery but also the ingredients for a distinctive, varied national cuisine. Ocean delicacies are vitally important here, but European immigrants brought with them a love of robust country cooking. International cuisine has caught on here as well. And if you’re a wine lover then you know you’re in for a treat here where you can enjoy some of Chile’s excellent labels!